Vertically retractable counterweighted rack for overhead closet storage

ABSTRACT

A system and method of suspending retractable vertical storage is described. The wire shelving system method comprise, among other things, convenient storage of footwear, hand bags, and luggage across horizontal wire shelves. A conveyable, horizontal shelf apparatus is mounted to linear bearing drawer slides or extendable carriers allowing the apparatus to pull down, deploying for convenient access to shoes or other items stored on carrier shelves. The storage system and method is designed to utilize a very confined overhead area or void above closet doors and below the ceiling by allowing passage for the vertically retractable apparatus as to not interfere with existing closet functionality or significantly compromise your storage space typically in use. Thereby creating additional all-new storage in a useless void of space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention generally concerns storage systems, and more particularly, representative and exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems, devices and methods relating to overhead suspension of closet storage and hanger apparatus.

Description of Related Art

Overhead storage lift assemblies have required a hand wound mechanical or motorized assist to raise or lower the apparatus opposed to a light physical push or pull motion by the user. Reach-in closet capacities comprising of; clothing, coats, foot wear, hand bags and luggage have become a common household problem. While some storage divider units set on the floor, or set up on a built in shelves of the closet create an improvement to cardboard boxes, some problems still remain. For instance, users typically own numerous pair of footwear, handbags, luggage, and accessories that compete for limited closet shelf capacity so commonly have difficulty finding an appropriate spot to store them where they will be “out of the way” and at the same time “easily accessible”. Additionally other larger or longer objects need to be stored while not in use such as luggage, sports equipment bags that may contain multiple pieces of equipment or longer or wider item(s). One place where such a spot may be found is the overhead area beneath a closet ceiling, and more particularly, the overhead area which exists against the closet door header between the top of the closet door and the ceiling, in front of and above the shelving in most closet layouts. Others have attempted to take advantage of such spots by using containers or racking apparatus, including this inventor's pending application for twist in pails that dock into ceiling mounted lids and horizontally retractable cantilevering suspension racks. Some examples are found in the following patents, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. (Non-Provisional Patent Application pending for Marshall Schoewe, Inventor)

U.S. Pat. No. 8,061,789 and 20140116968 A1 both describe a wardrobe lift type of storage device mounted to a support frame with pivot arms that control the movement of a storage rod that lowers clothing on a hanging rod up and down. The purpose of these inventions is entirely different and they are designed for use in a far less confined void of space in larger storage closet using an entirely different mechanical movement requiring double the available space.

Several attempts have been made in the past to provide systems for retractable storage. U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,619, issued in the name of Welsch et al., describes a vertically retractable ceiling storage system comprising a frame and a retractable vertical lifting mechanism. However, unlike the present invention, the Welsch storage system is intended as a ceiling supported unit retracted within behind the ceiling panel with severe retrofitting difficulties.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,376, issued in the name of D'Agostino, discloses a pulldown shelf for overhead storage comprising a single shelf, a pair of scissor-action stabilizers, and motorized wind-up mechanism which enables users to lower a ceiling mounted shelf down to a lower level with no purpose given specifically to fitting in the confined area of a reach-in closet header area.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,048, issued in the name of Heilmann, describes a storage and lift platform comprising a plurality of platforms, cables, frame members, and a drive axle which provides a means of vertically raising and lowering a single or plurality of platforms for storage. However, unlike the present invention, the Heilmann lift is intended for larger long term storage.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,157,108 B1 describes “A Pull-out, drop-down closet storage system” that is not intended nor designed to occupy the same void of space in the closet, and is not intended nor designed for storage of the same item(s). This invention is described as a “motorized pull-out, drop-down, closet storage shelf system” allowing comfortable access for someone sitting in a wheelchair as opposed to a vertically retractable shelves mounted overhead to the closet header wall for storage of a variety of commonly found items in typical reach-in closets.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,603 describes a “swing-arm rack with drop down locking mechanism” that once again suspends items but for a completely different use/duty and with a drop down mechanical movement that would prevent use in a typical reach-in closet in that it lacks the space needed to functionally collapse and nor could possibly deploy with two feet of depth.

While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objective and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe an overhead storage lift assembly for storing footwear and accessories in this confined area in a reach-in closet. In this respect, the overhead storage lift assembly according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus developed for the purpose of storing articles in reach-in closets against the header wall and above the door in the extremely confined space commonly available in most all varieties of reach in home closets.

In view of the above, there remains a need for an inexpensive, simple to manufacture, easy to install, sturdy, safe, efficient, space saving device for creating storage space out of the useless overhead voids of space in closets. The present invention is unique in that the drawer-like sliding movement that retracts the device vertically tight against the header wall avoids all other permanently mounted closet features such as shelves and clothing rods commonly found. The vertical gliding movement of the device can be counterweighted to allow ease of use by using one or more counterweighting mechanical methods including: torsion springs, block and tackle, cable or rope pulleys, weights, spring reels, and in dual sided applications, commonly installed in tandem with significantly equal weight, where one side counter balances the other side by way of an adjoining cable pulley system where one goes up as the other comes down.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides among other things, a means of utilizing the overhead void of space that is without alternative access using other storage methods (this Inventors other closet inventions set aside) in that all other devices themselves prevent use, or impede loading into the confined area located between the closet door header and the ceiling above.

The present invention provides among other things vertically retractable drawer-type storage rack system that is wall mounted onto a closet door header or wall studs, capable of retracting away by vertically gliding in drawer sliders or other linear guidance tracks or strut mechanisms that are: significantly vertical, parallel and rigid mounted to the closet header.

Particular implementations of the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features in substitution for the vertically retractable telescoping drawer slides. The storage suspension system may feature specialized tracking that creates a rigid, substantially parallel support or guidance struts with gas charged lifting force capabilities. The possibility of counterbalance methods is numerous but all shall neutralize or equal the lift force needed to support the vertical drawer shelf to and from a deployed down position and a retracted up position so the user exerts minimal effort to accomplish the devices movement up and down.

Particular implementation of the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features. The vertical drawer storage system may align with vertical wall studs or the header boards above any door opening. The wall may comprise drywall that covers the structure required to support the device fastened into framing of the closet doorway and wall.

The present invention may comprise a variety of mounting methods of the guidance channel, slider, or strut by using a mount plate comprised of wood or metal or by hardware or brackets that are directly fastened to the sheet rock and wall studs perpendicular to the door header. Such that the guidance method is fastened in a significantly parallel and vertically plumb drop that allows the spacing for clearance of protruding closet door(s) and molding.

The vertically wall mounted drawer slider method of the present invention may be attached with fasteners to the mount bracket or attached to lumber added to the wall header by using woodscrews to provide proper spacing away from door and moldings. The use of other guidance methods will rigid mount to similar brackets or block spacers such that they are significantly parallel in a vertical plumb drop. The vertical travel of the device will be dependent on the distance from the top of the closet door frame to ceiling as compared to the distance available to the shelving and hanging rod installed permanently in the closet.

The present invention provides among other things a method of suspending overhead storage by first allowing usage of the confined area lacking access other than from below. By featuring a drop down apparatus tailored to the restricted void inside a reach-in closet, above the door and against the header, this void becomes easily accessible storage space for items. The present invention could be modified to carry a full length cabinet that could function for storage of elongated items that span across the full width of a sliding door closet with a total opening width found standard of 58″-72″ following standardized building practices common to home construction for many years. The method of counterbalancing would resemble that of a garage door method with wind up cable spools and torsion spring(s) that would wind a continuous rod or pipe that could either be manual or power assisted with an electric motor.

Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventor is fully aware that he can be his own lexicographers if desired. The inventor expressly elects, as his own lexicographer, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless he clearly states otherwise and then further, expressly sets forth the “special” definition of that term and explains how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventor's intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventor is also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventor is fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6 are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . “or” step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step . . . , or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6 are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures. The nature of all sliding door closets is that only one side is available at a time as the doors push both to one side to open access up to the opposite side and the reverse thereof.

FIG. 1 depicts an overhead perspective view of the hanging apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 depicts rear side view from inside closet perspective view of a plurality of hanging apparatus counterbalanced in tandem according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a front side perspective view of the tandem apparatus in full down extension depicting the proximity to the built in shelf to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a front to side view with two possible alternative counterweighted mechanisms necessary for a singular apparatus install to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a direct back side perspective view of a tandem apparatus installation at full extended, down, deployed position on the right side, and the inverse left side at a fully retracted, up position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a direct back side perspective view of tandem apparatus installation at midpoint through the cable travel range, with equal or half deployment according to an embodiment of the invention.

Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment. Access alternate between deployed shelves or retracted apparatus as closet doors allow access to just one side at a time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the storage system according to one embodiment of the invention. Wall studs 10 are shown as substantially parallel to each other. Generally, wall studs 10 are coupled to and supported by header beams 18, frames, or other structures of a building (not shown). In the embodiment shown, wall studs 10 and header beam 18, form part of a garage or home closet wall. Generally, in the United States, wall studs are spaced about 16 inches apart. The present invention is not limited to this spacing and can be easily made to accommodate many various configurations of wall studs spacing and header beam orientation and size. In one embodiment, FIG. 1 may represent multiple cells of the storage system which can be extended to both sides of an elongated closet common in bedrooms. In the embodiment shown, a wall 12 is attached to the both sides of wall studs 10 and header beam 18. Wall 12 may be comprised of a variety of materials, for example, wall 12 may comprise drywall, sheetrock, wood, plywood, particle board, sheet metal or any other type of material commonly used to construct walls. In the illustrated embodiment shown, wall 12 is comprised of drywall. While this embodiment is probably the most common configuration of closet wall found, it is not a limitation of the invention that wall 12 be present as a part of the storage system. Closet shelf 28 is commonly found 12-24″ below the installed level of the suspension apparatus 14 and extends 12″ from rear wall of a typical closet leaving passage for items into the confined area when suspension apparatus 14 is retracted in the up position.

In the embodiment shown, suspension apparatus 14 are coupled to wall 12 with use of hanger bracket 20 using common anchor methods appropriate for the material of spacer plate 38 and/or 40 it is embedded into. Spacer plate(s) 38 and/or 40 are directly attached to wall 12 wall studs 10, and header beam 18 by use of nails, screws, bolts, adhesives, or other general construction fasteners may be coupled to wall studs 10 using a variety of different methods or fasteners. In the embodiment shown, suspension apparatus 14 are coupled to header beam 18 using lag screws 16 fastening hanger bracket 20. In one embodiment, machine bolts may pass through pre-existing holes in the hanger bracket 20 on 90 degree angle perpendicular to the closet header for mounting drawer slider 36 or guide mechanism. In another embodiment, the construction fasteners pass through lumber that creates the same perpendicular mounting surface with pre-existing holes attached with one or more of aforementioned methods into side support panel 24. In the embodiment shown, suspension apparatus are placed side-by-side in a tandem pair counterweighting one another with a continuous cable 44 over pulleys. An alternative embodiment, a single hanging apparatus 14 uses alternative counterweighting by cable reel 34 or variable level sand 50 filled pipe 48 of the apparatus as depicted in FIG. 4.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, wall studs 10, supported by header beam 18, are shown to be substantially parallel to each other with a sheet rock wall 12 attached. Mounts align with vertical wall studs 10 at a level or plane along the header board 18 such that items can be suspended above the header board 18 level depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 where only apparatus 14 is shown occupying the entire length of the confined void. This side-by-side or tandem application depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is useful in an elongated bedroom closet of a sliding door type where the horizontal span exists such that a tandem installation doubles the capacity of storage. FIG. 5 depicts dual suspension apparatus 14 with the left side in an “up” retracted position while the second apparatus on the right is deployed in the “down” position allowing for convenient access of two or more levels of wire shelf 26 storage space.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 both depict directional arrows 42 indicating opposite simultaneous directions of travel of apparatus(s) 14 which can be vertically adjusted to allow easy access to either the apparatus contents while deployed or adjacent shelf behind while retracted up.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 both depict a front side view of the suspension apparatus 14 system according to one embodiment of the invention. This embodiment further depicts suspension apparatus 14 in the lowest position such that the contoured shape of side panel 24 is shaped to increase the clearance and travel range of apparatus 14 allowing increased access for the third shelf 26 and cross brace 30. This allows for apparatus 14 at a lower operating height for users by avoiding contact with hanging rod 32 or standard built-in, permanent closet shelf 28. Both FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 depict a side profile of suspension apparatus 14 in a deployed, lowered position at the full extent of drawer sliders 36 attached to 90 degree perpendicular bracket 20. FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the invention that reverses shelving 26 and eliminates cross brace 30 for a less expensive version of apparatus 14 featuring less parts and simpler install.

As described earlier in FIG. 2, the embodiment shown may extend out in a horizontal directions across wall 12 with a second interdependent apparatus in a tandem counterbalance.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 both depict a tandem installation arrangement; hanging apparatus 14 fastened side by side on header beam 18 with fasteners 16 through wall 12.

FIG. 1 depicts hanging apparatus 14 from an overhead view mounted and spaced from wall 12 with backing plates 38 and/or 40 situated between bracket(s) 20 and wall 12 with an exact appropriate thickness for situational fit and tolerance required to allow a full range of hinge 36 vertical movement of apparatus 14. The clearance needed of apparatus 14 from obstructions that can vary slightly per application, depends on precise spacing away from the wall 12 adequate to clear doors and/or door frame/hardware that are typically under 1″. Over spacing away from header 18 backwards will interfere with full range of travel and extension (42 in FIG. 5) by making unwanted contact with shelf 28 and/or hanging rod 32 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 1 depicts two possible backing plate(s) 38 and/or 40 configurations fastened into wall stud 10 and door header 18 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of possible hanging alternatives to a continuous full closet length backing plate(s) 38 by depicting gaps between backing plate 38 and a vertical narrow wood strip 40.

The lack of consistent placement of wall studs 10 due to variations of; architectural design, methods of construction; cause retrofitting difficulties to accommodate unforeseeable applications. Therefore, the necessity for backing plate 38 exists for spacing and alignment in that the spacing plate covers the entire mounting area as to consistently catch wall stud(s) 10.

FIG. 4 depicts a simple counterweight method that involves PVC pipe filled with sand to a level that equals the weight of loaded apparatus 14 in the solo installation requiring this. The elimination of frontal cross supports 30 in FIG. 4 does not include rear cross support 30 that will functionally serve as: pull/push handle for moving apparatus 14 both up and down, support mount point for pulleys (22) and safety guard for cable 44 where it has exposure. 

I claim:
 1. A vertically retractable storage apparatus specific for reach-in closets, comprising: a counterbalanced storage device that raises and lowers an overhead suspended shelf system specific for storing primarily footwear, luggage and other items as configured.
 2. Fully extendable telescoping linear bearing draw slides wall mounted with threaded fasteners attached to rigid brackets fastened vertically plumb to a closet header wall.
 3. Two opposing parallel vertical side mount plates fasten to extendable end of linear bearing drawer slides; are connected structurally by wire shelving and cross supports.
 4. The apparatus vertical travels by a cable pulley system that is counterbalanced by: a hanging counterweight(s) or, a load counterweighted force by constant torsion spring reel(s) or, a second identical apparatus installed adjacent in long closet working in tandem to offset opposing down force of first apparatus to neutralize weight or counterbalance.
 5. A storage system and method to utilize a specific confined overhead void above closet doors and below the ceiling featuring without conflict to other closet functions; a tandem system that specifically fits standard closet widths, designs, layouts, and dimensions found in standard, sliding door, reach-in closets found in bedrooms, a single unit design that specifically fits standard closet widths, designs, layout, and dimensions found in standard reach-in closets that are found in hallways or bedrooms.
 6. The storage suspension system of claim 5, wherein the suspension apparatus is mounted away from shelving against the closet door header above and away from typically found stacked shelving contents or apparel adding all-new storage capacity.
 7. The storage suspension system of claim 5, wherein the suspension device is able to vacate the path to make functional use of standard shelving found in reach-in closets.
 8. The storage suspension system of claim 4, wherein the suspension device created overhead storage in a vacant void that remains counterbalanced in normal use since removal of a single or few pair of shoes will not affect the weight counterbalance or tandem load equalization enough to disturb the apparatus position set by the user.
 9. The storage suspension system of claim 4 that requires no catch system to stop at any point in the travel range if the load of apparatus is significantly close in match by: a weight balance existing between left and right sides in the tandem installation, and a load balance is achieved with adjustable counterbalance mechanism or weight, and a combined system friction is enough to stop counterbalanced apparatus at will, and a reasonable push or pull initiates either up or down movement with minimal effort.
 10. A modular storage suspension system that is diverse for various configurations. 